Negredo hasn't scored a competitive goal for Manchester City since January, with his dip in form and subsequent omission from Spain's World Cup squad leading to rumours of the striker's departure. After breaking his foot in the first half of a preseason friendly against Hearts, Negredo's immediate future will be spent rehabbing at the Emirates.

Expert view: Metatarsal fractures represent one of the most common traumatic foot injuries, with the fifth in particular being prevalent in football. Typically caused by a player kicking the sole of an opponent's boot or by an opponent standing on a player's foot, this area is relatively unprotected and bone injuries are a regular occurrence -- Sports injury expert Ben Dinnery

Alvaro Negredo likely won't return to action for another two months after breaking his foot in a preseason friendly.

Negredo underwent surgery earlier this month; the procedure can help the bone to heal in the correct position while improving the chance of a full recovery and potentially reducing rehabilitation time. Initial reports suggested Negredo could miss up to 12 weeks, but the Manchester City medical team is confident of a return before the end of September. -- BD

Borini sustained a shoulder injury in the opening minutes of Liverpool's 1-0 defeat to AS Roma in Boston following a tangle with Seydou Keita. The Italian is the subject of a potential 14 million pound bid from Sunderland, and his recovery is likely to play a factor in whether Borini plays at Merseyside or Wearside this campaign.

Expert view: Borini has a history of shoulder-related problems, but his early withdrawal at Fenway Park proved to be nothing more sinister than heavy bruising. Having suffered a dislocated back in 2013 -- the second of his career -- supporters feared the worst, but concerns were eased after the match when Brendan Rodgers confirmed there was no significant damage. "He's only bruised it, so he'll miss a few days of training ... but it's only a matter of days until he's back training and playing again," Rodgers said. The Italian is currently at Wearside ahead of his proposed move to Sunderland. -BD

The unfortunate Carroll is set to miss the start of the Premier League campaign after a training-ground ankle injury ruled the striker out for around four months. This comes off the back of a largely forgettable 2013-14 campaign in which the former Liverpool record signing made just 15 appearances, scoring twice.

Expert view: Originally thought to be a minor concern, the 15 million pound target man returned to the U.K. for further tests, which revealed a laxity in his joint, a problem that has been exacerbated following a number of ankle sprains recently. Carroll was flown to the U.S., and surgery was carried out by the world-renowned Dr. Mark Myerson, who specialises in advanced foot and ankle reconstruction techniques, in a bid to end this ongoing problem -- seven reported ankle injuries since 2008 -- and help restore normal function and stability.

Back in London, the hard work will begin; the ankle will be immobilised while weight-bearing activities are introduced gradually. Once the ankle is strong enough, straight-line running will begin with more sports-specific exercise being introduced; long-term studies show this type of operation is very successful. -BD

Andy Carroll's injury-hit career continues as he will miss the start of West Ham's Premier League campaign.

Carrick is another to suffer from ongoing ankle problems; the Manchester United player has amassed more than 10 significant injuries during his career. The latest is a training-ground sprain that caused the ligament to damage a section of bone. Carrick underwent exploratory surgery to determine the full extent of the injury and repair the problematic ligament.

Expert view: Again, the operation will be used to improve stability to the affected area; torn or stretched ligaments may be shortened and reattached or reinforced with a section of tendon. After a period of immobilisation, rehabilitation will look to restore strength, range of motion and proprioceptive qualities in a process that could see the midfielder back on the field before October. -BD

Prior to last weekend's International Champions Cup game against Roma, Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal revealed that full-back Rafael would not be involved after injuring his groin during a training session the day before; the full extent of the injury is still unknown. Rafael returned to the Northwest of England on Tuesday to continue treatment at the Aon Training Complex following a decision not to risk him during the remainder of the club's tour of North America.

Despite being shut down during Manchester United's preseason tour of the U.S., Rafael should be available for the start of the Premier League season.

Expert view: Given Rafael's energetic style of play, United will be keen to manage his latest muscular setback carefully, with the season start a little over two weeks away. In the case of a Grade 1 tear, active treatment should ensure the defender is available for the opener against Swansea while incorporating strength and stretching exercises into a daily regime for future prevention. -BD

In a quirk of fate, former Southampton midfielder and Liverpool marquee signing Lallana looks set to miss the opening-day fixture against his former employer after taking a knock to the knee during training. Fortunately, the LCL injury -- similar to that suffered by Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain prior to the World Cup in Brazil -- is not thought to be too serious and will not require surgical intervention.

Expert view: The LCL is the thin band connecting the femur to the fibula, with its primary function to help stabilise the knee as it moves. During the early phase of rehabilitation, it is important to ensure the joint is fixed and protected using a brace while physical treatment and cold therapy will assist in minimising swelling around this area. Isolated LCL injuries are uncommon, with most affecting other areas of the structure; however, the prospect of return to full fitness within six weeks is good. -BD